rasikas.org meet-up

rajumds · Post by **rajumds** » 04 Jan 2008, 09:40

Where are the link of the jam session recording and the subsequent posts ??

rajumds · Post by **rajumds** » 04 Jan 2008, 09:42

Sorry . Page 9 was not visible when I logged in today and appeared back after I posted the above post

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 04 Jan 2008, 12:56

Not sure actually...perhaps Vainika would know

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 04 Jan 2008, 12:56

I meant about the book in response to CML's query

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 05 Jan 2008, 11:42

In response to VK's request:

I was never a morning person. 6 AM is a time that usually finds me starring in the escapist fantasies of a brain that is not quite ready to accept a return to the real world. 5? Except for the rare occasion when I am recruited into a reception party for NRI guests, Iâ€™ve never seen the hour. Perhaps I ought to have given that a thought that before agreeing to chauffeur mom to join the Bhajana Goshtis around Mylapore. Oh, I wanted to go too - but the inconvenience of the hour struck me only whenâ€¦well, only when the hour actually struck!

The duet with Aishwarya Rai was, therefore, truncated just as she was belting out some cracking kannakus at Â¼ idam, which I was all set to replicate in tisramâ€¦a few sobering minutes of wakefulness later, my calculations were demoted to the rather less romantic application of estimating whether I had enough petrol to get to Mylapore. A comatose drive followed, which terminated at the intended destination only because my fellow-drivers were alert enough to get out of the Brownian trajectory of my car.

I hung around awkwardly after I got out, with my desire for inconspicuousness severely compromised by the tele-zoom sticking out of my chest. Mom, evidently blessed with superior social skills, waved me towards an austere-looking bunch of veshtis and vibhuties, taking a break from an animated discourse on recipes to the mamis around. I guess it was OK for me to tag along â€“ not the first time that I was benefiting from her culinary expertise!

Our retinue set off from the main Gopuram and snaked along the Mada streets, bobbing in and out of the streetlightsâ€™ glare. Iâ€™d race in front of the group to snatch a shot every time the luminance climaxed. The organizer, a stocky gentleman with an intimidating moustache, caught up with me on one of these sallies, dropping a heavy arm on my shoulder. I thought I was going to be arrestedâ€¦he merely wanted some copies of the photos!

We marched past BVB. The harmonium sent out a plaintive call to the wavering dawn. A street vendor nearby rolled over on his cart, raising a groggy hand against the din. He wasnâ€™t quite ready yet. A more energetic invitation was essayed at the next crossing where the corner of the tank points towards the Ramakrishna Mutt. The Dholak stirred and the first bus roared past, winking in approval at the catchy beat. The goshti burst into â€œPaalvadiyuam Mukhamâ€

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 05 Jan 2008, 13:39

Fantastic post. Deserves a thread of its own

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 05 Jan 2008, 16:35

Inspired writing, like 'A City Night Piece'.
Along with the camera, we are glad our somnambulistic warrior remembered to pack a plume too...

uday_shankar · Post by **uday_shankar** » 05 Jan 2008, 17:13

nick H wrote:Fantastic post. Deserves a thread of its own

No doubt. Perhaps a newspaper column...at the very least enshrined in a separate blog...

vainika · Post by **vainika** » 05 Jan 2008, 20:05

Reg. the question on Prof. Vijayakrishnan's book 'Grammar of Carnatic Music': it is not available in Chennai. I have temporary possession of the author's copy until my Amazon-enabled friends get me one at 40% off. The book has been meticulously researched and the evidence in support of his arguments is quite convincing: for instance the author contrasts well-known compositions by the Trinity in support of his claim that they 'spoke' different dialects of rAgas such as mukhAri.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 05 Jan 2008, 22:25

[quote]The goshti burst into â€œPaalvadiyuam Mukhamâ€

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 05 Jan 2008, 23:00

Fantastic Vijay! You should collaborate with Arasi in writing Novels!
My humble compliments
Vijay's New Year Resolution

The night is cold e'en the Sun is asleep
'tis cruel to wake me Oh! Kapali, mercy keep
Strong arms of Mom wrenches me from Aishvarya
Love against Love, Mom won, no Ashcarya!

To drive or not to drive that is now the question
These legs and the heavy eyes opted internal combustion
Miracle of Kapali we are still in one piece
No one is hurt and the world with me is at peace

Sprightly seniors with voices of thunder
Cold ! where is thy sting , make us shudder
My voice too soared and the shruti was right
I was on cloud nine but wait what is this wet and bright

Mom was standing with a pail and 'twas gleaming Sun streak
'tis ten already don't you have to work was her shriek
Don't mind Aishvarya but will Kapali lightly take?
Sure He will, since 'tis my 2009 resolution that now I make

(also Kapali make sure they have a bhajana ghoShTi at mumbai

(Dedicated to Vijay with Love)

Thanks vainika
How can one get 40% dicount from Amazon?

sureshvv · Post by **sureshvv** » 05 Jan 2008, 23:46

Makes you want to get down on your knees and kiss the ground, doesn't it?

I remember feeling that way a few months ago after listening to a concert at Marundeeswarar temple and then taking a walk around the temple before getting back home...

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 06 Jan 2008, 07:01

Makes me fall back on my manasika guru in these matters -Oscar Wilde.
Oh ! Such lovely words of wisdom.
But then one has to be on the wrong side of 40 to appreciate this .

" It is better to have loved and lost , rather than
To have loved and won and find out how shallow she is !"

On a serious note - This is great stuff from Vijay.My only request to Vijay is to consider the option of using Black and white medium , more often.

and one request before you shift base to Mumbai.
Let us have a group trip to Kancheepuram on a Friday evening to watch a great weekly spectacle , when the diety comes out of her chambers and takes a tour around the temple.Would love to see you capturing that event.
We could get back in Chennai by 10pm with dinner on the way..
Last word..Great stuff.Our Poor Man's Raghu Rai.Would love to see more.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 06 Jan 2008, 09:23

before you shift base to Mumbai

WHAT???

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 06 Jan 2008, 10:37

God bless you, wherever you are. however a feast for mumbai members .we are sure that every december you will be in chennai. . pl give your mumbai address. just met you for 3hours on 25th what a happy time myself and my son mohan(kamalamba) had . I am a regular visitor to mumbai gobilalitha

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 06 Jan 2008, 18:26

Thank you all...CML for that hilarious poem and err...the photographic representation of the fantasies referred to above...plainly obvious from the stark constrast, exactly how wild they are!

VK yes shifting to Mumbai - Prashanth assures me there is enough concert action over there and my travel will hopefully come down...The piece would probably get lost with "wider reach"...I am quite happy with my small but appreciative audience.

Bala sir still to find an address - hope to do that shortly and wlil mail you the same as soon as I do...

Coolji, sounds really good - only constraint maybe time since with the shifting and all, I am likely to have veryl little time in Chennai this month but we can certainly try and it would be a fantastic photo-op...hope we can put together a nice musical trip - would be fab!

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 06 Jan 2008, 18:32

Hallo Vijay I think I can count upon your participation in the LAKSHMAN JI - meeting on the 13th instant ????

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 06 Jan 2008, 18:33

As of now 13th looks good Ramraj sir...but given that I am, right now, in a place thousands of miles from where I intended to be, I am hesitant to give a firm confirmation.

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 06 Jan 2008, 18:37

O.K.No problem !Please try ur best to make it .
I can't surmise a gathering without the great VIJAY !!!

vs_manjunath · Post by **vs_manjunath** » 06 Jan 2008, 20:06

vageyakara wrote:Hallo Vijay I think I can count upon your participation in the LAKSHMAN JI - meeting on the 13th instant ????

Would definitely like to come to chennai by Lalbagh on saturday......looking for simple overnight stay in some place and lookforward to meeting everyone at New woodlands Hotel on Sunday 13 Dec @ 9 AM.

Please suggest some nearby place for overnight staying ??

Regards
Manjunath

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 06 Jan 2008, 20:14

Hallo Manjunath, Why do u worry about ur over night stay ? You can stay with me .. I give below my address and Phone number.
K.Ramaraj, No B-3 Vijay Regency,
Indira Nagar first Avenue, ADYAR
cHENNAI 600020
24420442
Regds, Ramaraj

My E.Mail: [email protected]
Note: Please do not hesitate to contact me.

davalangi · Post by **davalangi** » 07 Jan 2008, 00:42

Since this thread and the Twitter thread are still active, I wanted to post a concert announcement here. Rasikas.org member, Ashwin Iyer & his brother Rohin Iyer are performing in Tyagaraja Vidwat Samajam on the 8th of January at 6:30PM. They are accompanied by Sri.V.L.Kumar (violin), Sri.Umayalpuram Mali (mridangam) and Sri.N.Rajaraman (ghatam).

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 07 Jan 2008, 05:54

Vijay
The light-hearted poem is a tribute to you who will be missed by the chennai rasikas. The picture however is about the dream of Aishvarya whose 'pathetic' look is due to her having missed meeting you before she tied the knot. You look smashing and I am sure CM Rasikis who look at this thread will start making overtures to you

And when you are ready do let me (us) know to join in the festivities....
All the best to you at Mumbai....and in this stellar year 2008
Jaya vijayI bhava

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 07 Jan 2008, 07:21

Hallo dawalangi, thank u for reminding about this concert of Tronto Brothers, illustrious disciples of the living legend SRJ.

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 07 Jan 2008, 07:21

hi,ashwin and rohin, you told me that you are likely to visit bangalore.. after reaching bangalore pl call me at 41714059 good luck for your performance on8th you have senior artists accompanying you .. had a mail from your mom balu uncle gobilalitha

meena · Post by **meena** » 07 Jan 2008, 07:27

Ramji
Thanku!

Ashwin/Rohin
Good Luck, and hope we get to read ur conc review here.

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 07 Jan 2008, 07:34

All the best Ashwin and Rohin.

jananee · Post by **jananee** » 07 Jan 2008, 13:56

Ramaraj Sir..jusr realised u stay just opp to my mom's flat..i was there the whole of Dec and would have loved to meet you..Next time i am there will def catch up!

jananee · Post by **jananee** » 07 Jan 2008, 13:59

Great writing Vijay..pity i did not meet up with u in chennai this time tho i spotted u in a few venues./.All the best in Mumbai and yes i do think there is enough concert action there too! Enjoyed the poem too cmlover..

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 07 Jan 2008, 14:20

Halo jananee ji,
I am residing just opp.to Maverick Gym.Where are u presently based btw ?

jananee · Post by **jananee** » 07 Jan 2008, 20:04

I am based in Singapore..my mother stays just next door to Maverick..Sai chakra...Ramaraj Sir..pity i did not know u stayed so close!

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 07 Jan 2008, 20:17

Are u the daughter of Sri Ganeshan (my best friend who breathed his last during last year.How is your other sister?
Ramaraj

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 07 Jan 2008, 20:21

What a lovable personality Mr Ganeshan was ? I still remember his jocular pleasantaries

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 07 Jan 2008, 20:33

I remember , he left this material world on the day prior TamilNew years Day 2006.

jananee · Post by **jananee** » 07 Jan 2008, 21:22

Yes Ramaraj Sir,,i am very much the daughter of Mr Ganesan..i really did not know you were his friend and i will definitely make it a point to meet you when i come next..Yes he was indeed a very lovabale person very passionate about music and left us very suddenly...in 2007. I always read all your posts,,it is indeed a very small world...

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 07 Jan 2008, 22:08

I am extremely happy to know that my best friend's daughter who happens to be our neighbour .Though my association with Ganeshan"ji spans just over 5 years, when we occupied our flat only during Apr.2003, we used to meet every now and then and who can forget his charming face.He used to cut jokes with a sense of timing and he would even make a dead wood thunder into laughter. Most of us in our apartment enjoyed his pleasing manners .Please tell your mother about this ..

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 08 Jan 2008, 05:35

EVOLUTION
Out of the dusk, a shadow ,
Then a spark
Out of the cloud, a silence,
Then a lark.
Out of the heart, a rapture,
Then a pain ;
Out of the dead , cold ashes
Life again.
John Bannister Tabb

jananee · Post by **jananee** » 08 Jan 2008, 07:30

Beautiful Coolji....and Ramaraj Sir....thanks for your kind words..i think appa is best remembered like this....and had oit not been for this forum i would never have known u stay so close by!!! Thanks once again..

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 08 Jan 2008, 08:06

DEVOLUTION
Out of the dawn, a shadow ,
Then a spark
Out of the cloud, a thunder,
Then a bark.
Out of the heart, a rupture,
Then a pain ;
Out of the Life , cold ashes
Dead again.
John Unknown
punarapi jananam punarapi maraNaM |

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 08 Jan 2008, 09:06

REVOLUTION
Resurgence, from that which sees the end,
Immortal, this life, from father to offspring
So on and on--life lives on, even among
Those who live as if they are dead wood...

jananee · Post by **jananee** » 08 Jan 2008, 10:05

very well said cm lover and arasi....very true!

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 08 Jan 2008, 14:21

jHi Jananee Though I do not want to rekindle ur feelings by repeating ONE and the same thing again and again, I wish to state that I had the opportunity to see his gleaming face even on the very morning of his last day , when he and your mom went for a morning walk and I said good morning to him, perhaps the last set of words I uttered to him, but alas !I never foresaw that on the same afternoon I was destined to say goodbye to a good old friend.
What a sudden shock I had.I could'nt even believe for a moment that A HAPPY GO LUCKY -spirit was no more !!Then I came to the conclusion that GOD is the most un predictable PESSIMIST.
rAMARAJ

jananee · Post by **jananee** » 08 Jan 2008, 15:05

True Sir....reliving his memory and listening to others speak about him esp about how happy he was is the only way me n my mom tend to go on and music has been the best healer like i told you...for me personally i recovered atleast partially from the shock thanks to music and it is during these times that i also became a very active part of rasikas forum..endless sleepless nights i have spent only with the company of all that you great people wrote....GOD def had other plans.. totally unpredictable...even today i cant believe he is no more and see his smiling face in indira nagar...i am sure he also wanted to live life and enjoy but.....Thanks once again

vageyakara · Post by **vageyakara** » 08 Jan 2008, 15:08

Hallo Jananee, Ireplied to your mail.Please view.
Ramarajt

vainika · Post by **vainika** » 25 Jan 2008, 19:49

For rasikas interested in attending and meeting up at the Thyagaraja Sangeetha Vidwat Samajam aradhana in Mylapore, Chennai, this Sunday (Jan 27, 2008), here are the relevant details:

Morning
08:00 Vedaparayanam and Abhishekam for the idol of Tyagaraja
09:30 Unchavritti
10:30 Pancharatna goshti gaanam
12:00 Mangala Harati

Evening
18:00 vocal concert by Dr. Shankar Srinivas with G Chandramouli and
Trichur Narendran.
___________________________________________________________________________________

rajumds · Post by **rajumds** » 09 Feb 2008, 14:55

Some more photos from the jam session.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23332012@N ... 3874083912

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 09 Feb 2008, 17:14

Great.

A couple of nice ones for my family album there

kalgada78 · Post by **kalgada78** » 09 Feb 2008, 17:52

rajumds wrote:Some more photos from the jam session.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23332012@N ... 3874083912

Wow!! nice!! Is the "Vainika" in the album, Sri Vijay Krishnan? is he a member of this forum?

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 09 Feb 2008, 23:25

Vainika on the forum is Ramakrishnan. He is'nt here in any of the pictures. You can see him in the 'Meeting Lakshman' album and in the first Rasikas meet pictures. Also in Kalpagam Swaminathan's Rasikas concert where he accompanied her (she is his guru).

kalgada78 · Post by **kalgada78** » 10 Feb 2008, 03:29

Arasi
..i'm talking about the vainika in file # 0031 in the above album..is he Sri Ramakrishnan?